Optical Waveguide Array with Sub-waveguide Height Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging and display technologies face limitations in achieving high resolution, small distortion, and effective 3D display due to optical aberrations and limited field of view, especially in large-field and large-aperture imaging, and most naked-eye 3D technologies do not provide actual 3D display.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide unit with multiple reflecting units and sub waveguides of varying heights, where each sub waveguide has different heights corresponding to different incident angles, improving energy distribution and uniformity across the imaging visual angle range, and an optical waveguide array with these units arranged orthogonally to form a flat lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lenses are used for imaging, then imaging function is achieved, but optical aberrations occur and field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveguide into multiple sub-waveguides with different heights, where each sub-waveguide handles specific angle ranges. This segmentation allows different portions of the optical field to be processed independently, eliminating the optical aberrations that affect traditional single-lens systems while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D lens-based imaging to a 3D waveguide structure with varying heights. By introducing the height dimension and using multiple sub-waveguides at different elevations, the system achieves wide-field imaging without the optical aberrations inherent in conventional lens systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If naked-eye 3D display technologies adjust parallax between left and right eyes, then 3D sense is realized, but actual 3D display characteristics are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waveguide into multiple sub-waveguides with different heights, where each sub-waveguide corresponds to specific incident angle directions. This creates distinct optical paths for different viewing angles, enabling true 3D display with proper light field distribution rather than just simulated parallax effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the waveguide (sub-waveguides at different heights) are designed with specific optical properties optimized for their corresponding angle ranges. This local optimization ensures that each portion of the field of view receives appropriately directed light, achieving authentic 3D display characteristics throughout the entire viewing area.
3Reliability
If sub waveguides with different heights are used to modulate visual angles, then energy uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple sub-waveguides with different heights, where each sub-waveguide handles specific angle ranges. This segmentation allows energy to be distributed uniformly across different visual angles by directing light through appropriate height levels, achieving improved energy uniformity while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic arrangement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances imaging quality by preventing diffraction and improving clarity, achieving uniform energy distribution and enabling effective 3D display characteristics, including naked-eye 3D holographic display.
Implementation Method 1
each reflecting unit being any one or a combination of any two of: a metal layer, a total reflecting layer, and a medium reflecting layer
Implementation Method 2
each of two sides of each sub waveguide being provided with one reflecting unit, at least two of the plurality of sub waveguides having different heights in a stacking direction of the plurality of sub waveguides, and the different heights of the sub waveguides being corresponding to different incident angle directions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide unit includes a plurality of reflecting units being the same in structure, and each reflecting unit being any one or a combination of any two of: a metal layer, a total reflecting layer, and a medium reflecting layer; and a plurality of sub waveguides stacked on each other, each of two sides of each sub waveguide being provided with one reflecting unit, at least two of the plurality of sub waveguides having different heights in a stacking direction of the plurality of sub waveguides, and the different heights of the sub waveguides being corresponding to different incident angle directions. The present disclosure also provides an optical waveguide array and a flat lens.